Illuminated multipurpose paddle system

ABSTRACT

A paddle is provided with lighting devices in the blade of the paddle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C §119(e) of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/899,502 filed on Nov. 4, 2013, the entire content of the application, which is incorporated herein by reference, including any references cited therein.

PURPOSE OF INVENTION

The invention of the illuminated multipurpose paddle system provides an efficient variety of illuminated paddles and blade types to aid in viewing and in being viewed in low-light surroundings both above and below the water.

1. Description

An internally integrated power source and lighting system that forms the structure of a paddle. A collapsible paddle system that allows users to easily transport the paddle system and/or easily replace the different components of the paddle system. An aid in the exploration, safety, and convenience of the user on or around the water in low-light situations. The paddle system allows for the construction of a variety of paddle types to aid in water sports such as SUP, canoeing, kayaking, boating, rafting, longboarding, etc. The lighting system is waterproof and physically protected by the designs and structures of the different blades.

2. How the Invention is an Improvement Over Existing Technology/Problems Solved

All other paddles on the market are without any type of integrated lighting system, relegating users to paddle only in the daytime. Although use of headlamps and other lighting devices are in practice to paddle at night, they are either less effective or visually obstructive, while an illuminated paddle system provides the most practical method of lighting surroundings above and below the water. The invention can still be used during the day alongside other traditional paddles without any functional loss or sacrifice of strength and with minimal addition of weight.

ILLUSTRATION OF INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the Assembled Paddle System

FIG. 2 shows the Lightning Shaft Section

FIG. 3 shows Kayak Shaft Section

FIG. 4 shows Removable SUP Blade Section

FIG. 5 shows Removable Kayak Blade Section

FIG. 6 shows Removable Canoe Blade Section

IDENTIFICATION OF PARTS/COMPONENTS OF INVENTION

1A Handle Shaft

1B Lightning Shaft

1C Removable Blade

1D Integrated Lighting For Various Blades

2E Adjustable Length Handle Shaft

2F Handle Shaft Adjustment Connection

2G Lightning Shaft Hollow Shaft

2H Lightning Shaft On/Off Button

2I Lightning Shaft Battery Pack

2J Lightning Shaft Connector Connection For Blade

2K Battery Pack Recharging Port

2L Battery Pack Powering Port

3M Kayak Shaft Secondary On/Off Button

3N Kayak Shaft Hollow Shaft

3O Kayak Shaft On/Off Button

3P Kayak Shaft Battery Pack

3Q Kayak Shaft Connector Connection For Blade

4R Coiled Power Wire & Power Plug

4S Removable SUP Blade Section

4T Integrated SUP Lights

4U Form Fitting SUP Blade

5V Removable Kayak Blade Section

5W Integrated Kayak Lights

5X Form Fitting Kayak Blade

6Y Removable Canoe Blade Section

6Z Integrated Canoe Lights

6AA Form Fitting Canoe Blade

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

1A is the Handle Shaft, which provides grip to the paddle.

1B is the Lightning Shaft, which provides rechargeable power to the lighting system.

1C is the Removable Blade, which provides surface area to propel water for paddling.

1D is the Integrated Lighting For Various Blades, which provides lighting for the Blade.

2E is the Adjustable Length Handle Shaft, which can be adjusted to accommodate varying heights of users.

2F is the Handle Shaft Adjustment Connection, which allows sturdy adjustment of the Handle Shaft length.

2G is the Lightning Shaft Hollow Shaft, which houses the Handle Shaft and the Battery Pack.

2H is the Lightning Shaft On/Off Button, which activates the lighting system of the Blade.

2I is the Lightning Shaft Battery Pack, which powers the lighting system.

2J is the Lightning Shaft Connection For Blade, which connects the Lightning Shaft securely to the Blade.

2K is the Battery Pack Recharging Port, which allows an adapter to charge the Battery Pack.

2L is the Battery Pack Powering Port, which powers the Blade when Power Plug is fastened into it.

3M is the Kayak Shaft Secondary On/Off Button, which activates the lighting system for the secondary Blade.

3N is the Kayak Shaft Hollow Shaft, which houses the Battery Pack(s).

3O is the Kayak Shaft On/Off Button, which activates the lightings system of the Blade.

3P is the Kayak Shaft Battery Pack, which powers the lightings system.

3Q is the Kayak Shaft Connection For Blade, which connects the Kayak Shaft securely to the Blade.

4R is the Coiled Power Wire & Power Plug, which fastens to the Battery Pack to allow Blade to be powered.

4S is the Removable SUP Blade Section, which houses the Coiled Power Wire and connects securely to the Lightning Shaft.

4T is the Integrated SUP Lights, which provide light to the Blade.

4U is the Form Fitting SUP Blade, which safely and sturdily houses the lighting system.

5V is the Removable Kayak Blade Section, which houses the Coiled Power Wire and connects securely to the Kayak Shaft.

5W is the Integrated Kayak Lights, which provide light to the Blade.

5X is the Form Fitting Kayak Blade, which safely and sturdily houses the lighting system.

6Y is the Removable Canoe Blade Section, which houses the Coiled Power Wire and connects securely to the Lightning Shaft.

6Z is the Integrated Canoe Lights, which provide light to the Blade.

6AA is the Form Fitting Canoe Blade, which safely and sturdily houses the lighting system.

Description of Overall Structure of Invention

The paddle system basically consists of a handle section, a lightning shaft section, which contains the battery pack, and a blade section, which houses a lighting system. The kayak paddle has a second blade, instead of a handle section. The sections of the paddle system lock together to create a uniform single paddle. The Hollow shafts provide lightweight strength while allowing room for the internal components. The on/off button designed to prevent unintended activation. The battery pack has two ports: one for powering the blades, and one for recharging the battery pack. The various blades are structured to allow heavy abuse of the blade while still protecting the lighting system.

Relationship Between the Parts of the Invention

The paddle system is linked together with structural connections and electronic component connections. The structural connectors keep the handle shaft section inside the lightning shaft section, and the lightning shaft section connected to the blade section. The lighting system is fully integrated, waterproofed, and adhered to the blade. The coiled power wire from the lighting system of the blade runs through the shaft of the blade section and ultimately ends in a power plug. This power plug connects to the battery pack via its powering port and therefore powers the lighting system. The battery pack holds a charge and releases its charge when in use. The battery pack is recharged via its recharging port using an adapter such as a wall outlet or a solar panel device. Power to the lighting system from the battery pack is mediated by the on/off button. Epoxies, rubber seals and other materials can be used to adhere and/or waterproof the various sections of the paddle system. The different shapes of the blades help users perform in different sports and various situations. The design of the structure of the blades protects the lighting system from damage and helps direct the light outward.

Description of How the Invention Operates/Functions

The paddles themselves function as standard paddles that are used to push water with the blade by means of the user gripping the handle and shaft and forcing the paddle through the water. The light system in the paddles is essentially a large flashlight that has a power source, a light, and a button that activates the lights by giving them the power. Once the lights are activated the user can continue to paddle as normal or can lift the paddle in the air to illuminate any area or object as is needed. The user can also lower the paddle into the water and illuminate the areas and objects that are submerged and otherwise hidden from view. The on/off button changes the function of the lighting system, giving the lights varying degrees of color or of brightness, and even intermittent lighting such as flashing.

Unique Features of Invention

The paddle system is the first kind of system that allows for interchangeable light-up blades. The light system on the blade section is integrated into the blade and emits light to help aid the user in seeing their surroundings both above and below the water in low-light situations. Type of lights used can be varied but they will be placed primarily on one side of the blade to help reflect light outwards and away from the user. The lights can be operated in multiple functions depending on the need of the user such as full bright, with iterations that decrease the light until full dim. Intermittent lights, such as flashing, and SOS can help draw attention if needed. The replacement of blades and handles is made easier due to the interchangeable nature of the system. The placement of the battery pack is optimal to allow easy access to the ports, water tightness of the battery pack, and a good weight distribution across the length of the paddle. The placement of the battery pack on the lightning shaft section is superior to placing the battery pack on the blade section to keep the cost of the various blade choices down. The placement of the battery pack on the lightning shaft section makes waterproofing the handle section unnecessary, keeping costs down and making design and production simpler. The placement and design of the waterproof on/off button is intended to help protect it from damage and to prevent unintended activation. The ports on the battery pack are protected from water, which prevents shorting and corrosion. The connection from the battery pack to the blade section is also protected from water. The sections of the paddle system come together and break apart via connections that help secure it in place. Once broken apart, the paddle system is in optimally short lengths, which helps users to transport the paddle system and helps in the shipment of the paddle system.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Alternative Embodiments for the paddle system is essential to the nature of the invention. The Battery powered shaft is the core element to which other varieties of attachments are paired with. The blades that can be created to pair with the paddle system can be canoe, kayak, SUP, oar, land paddle, and any other hybrid of paddle and even non-paddle attachments. The type of lighting system can also be widely varied including LED strips, LEDs, fiber optics, laser based, incandescent, etc. The materials used in either the shaft, the blade, and the other elements of the paddle system can be varied according to the needs of manufacturing, strength, cost, weight, and performance. Battery type and placement can be altered to accommodate new needs and new opportunities. The addition of solar panel technology can help create a more efficient and effective paddle system. The addition of lights to locations other than the blade may help increase the safety and visibility of the user. Some of those locations may be on the handle or below the handle, or anywhere on the shaft or attached to the shaft. Navigation lights are an example of the type of additional light that can be added. Color changing lights and different colored blades and shafts can be used to help a user identify with their paddle system. Different shaft lengths and different blade size, shape, or length could be modified to better fit ages, strengths, heights, and professional standards. Non-powered blades and other attachments can be used for attachments that require no power but still benefit from the form factor of the existing shaft. Reflective material could be used on the lit side of the blade in order to help light amplify. Non-adjustable paddles can also incorporate the lighting system of the blade and be powered by means of a battery pack located at the handle end. The button and service access would be located in the handle end as well. 

1. A paddle comprising: a) a shaft b) a first blade at an end of the shaft wherein the blade contains light system.
 2. The paddle of claim 1, wherein the shaft contains a power source for powering the light sources.
 3. The paddle of claim 2, wherein the light system comprises a light emitting diode.
 4. The paddle of claim 2, wherein the paddle further comprises a second blade at an end of the shaft distal to the first blade
 5. The paddle of claim 2, further comprising a solar panel for recharging the power source.
 6. The paddle of claim 2, wherein the power source is a solar panel. 